Optical fiber distribution system

ABSTRACT

A cable mount for fixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture includes a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal channel therebetween, the channel defined by upper and lower transverse walls and a vertical divider wall. The channel receives a portion of the cable. A strength member pocket receives the strength member of the cable, the pocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from the longitudinal channel, the pocket communicating with the longitudinal channel through an opening on the divider wall. A strength member clamp fixes the strength member of the cable against axial pull. Cable management structures in the form of spools define at least one notch that communicates with the longitudinal channel for guiding optical fibers extending from a jacket either upwardly or downwardly therethrough. The cable mount also allows routing of the optical fibers through the longitudinal channel all the way from the rear end to the front end.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a National Stage of PCT/EP2014/058196, filed 23 Apr.2014 which claims benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/815,525filed on 24 Apr. 2013 and to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/892,579filed on 18 Oct. 2013 and which applications are incorporated herein byreference. To the extent appropriate, a claim of priority is made toeach of the above disclosed applications.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an optical fiber distribution system,including a rack, and elements which populate the rack, including fiberterminations, patching, fiber splitters, and fiber splices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Optical fiber distribution systems include fiber terminations and otherequipment which is typically rack mounted. Various concerns exist forthe optical fiber distribution systems, including density, ease of use,and cable management. There is a continuing need for improvements in theoptical fiber distribution area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One implementation of a system in accordance with the examples of thedisclosure includes a building block element mountable to a rack orother structure. The element includes a chassis, and a moveable tray.The tray is moveably mounted to the chassis with a slide mechanism thatallows the tray to slide relative to the chassis. The slide mechanismincludes a synchronized movement feature for managing the cablesextending to and from the tray, such that cable pull at the entry andexit locations is reduced or eliminated as the tray is moved.

One synchronized movement feature includes gears, including a rack andpinion system. Another synchronized movement feature includes wheels andwires.

The tray preferably includes mounting structures for holding cableterminations, splitters, and/or splices. One mounting structure includesan open shaped frame member for connector access. In one example, twoframe members are provided, one positioned over the other. For improvedaccess, the frame members are hingedly mounted to the tray. In atermination arrangement, the adapters are arranged so that the connectoraxes are horizontal and extend in a perpendicular direction to thedirection of travel for the tray.

Each frame member can be populated with adapter blocks. Pathways guidecables to the adapter ports of the adapter blocks for fiber optic cablesterminated with connectors to be received therein. The cables follow ageneral S-shaped pathway from a side of each element to the adapterblocks. The S-shaped pathway includes two levels inside of the tray tosegregate cables between the two frame members. Various flanges andradius limiters can be provided to assist with cable management.

The elements can be stacked in a column with each tray mountedhorizontally, or used in a group or block mounted vertically. In thecase of a column of elements, a selected tray is pulled outward toaccess the desired tray, and then the frame members on the tray can bepivoted as needed.

One side of each element can be for patch cables, and the opposite sidecan be for cable termination of an incoming cable, such as adistribution cable or a feeder cable. Because of the synchronizedmovement feature, cables can be secured along the sides of the elementsand still allow for sliding movement of the trays without a need forlarge amounts or any cable slack.

The tray and the frame members allow for easy top and bottom access toconnectors on either side of the adapters. Openings are provided in thetray bottom for hand access if desired.

The cable mounts for the distribution cables or feeder cables can besnap mounted to the elements and/or mounted in a longitudinal slidemount, and include strength member clamps and cable clamps.

Groupings of loose cables can be managed with cable wraps or other cableguides such as flexible troughs.

The elements can be configured as desired and form building blocks foran optical fiber distribution system (ODF).

When the elements are mounted in a column in a rack, the cables can beplaced in vertical cable guides to enter and exit the selected element.

The example rack is front accessible, however, the elements can be usedin other racks, frames, cabinets or box including in arrangements whererear access is desirable or useful.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a cable mountconfigured for fixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to afixture. The cable mount comprises a front end, a rear end, and alongitudinal channel extending between the front end and the rear end,the longitudinal channel defined by upper and lower transverse walls anda vertical divider wall, the longitudinal channel for receiving aportion of the fiber optic cable. A strength member pocket is forreceiving the strength member of the fiber optic cable, the strengthmember pocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from thelongitudinal channel, the strength member pocket communicating with thelongitudinal channel through an opening provided on the divider wall. Astrength member clamp is configured to fix the strength member of thefiber optic cable against axial pull relative to the cable mount.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method offixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture. The methodcomprises inserting a front end of the fiber optic cable through alongitudinal channel of a cable mount that is on the fixture, whereinlongitudinal channel is defined by upper and lower transverse walls anda vertical divider wall, inserting the strength member of the fiberoptic cable through an opening on the vertical divider wall into apocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from thelongitudinal channel, and clamping the strength member of the fiberoptic cable against axial pull relative to the cable mount.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a cable mountfor fixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture. Thecable mount includes a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal channeltherebetween, the channel defined by upper and lower transverse wallsand a vertical divider wall. The channel receives a portion of thecable. A strength member pocket receives the strength member of thecable, the pocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall fromthe longitudinal channel, the pocket communicating with the longitudinalchannel through an opening on the divider wall. A strength member clampfixes the strength member of the cable against axial pull. Cablemanagement structures in the form of spools define at least one notchthat communicates with the longitudinal channel for guiding opticalfibers extending from a jacket either upwardly or downwardlytherethrough. The cable mount also allows routing of the optical fibersthrough the longitudinal channel all the way from the rear end to thefront end.

According to another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a method offixing a strength member of a fiber optic cable to a fixture. The methodcomprises inserting a front end of the fiber optic cable through alongitudinal channel of a cable mount that is on the fixture, whereinlongitudinal channel is defined by upper and lower transverse walls anda vertical divider wall, inserting the strength member of the fiberoptic cable through an opening on the vertical divider wall into apocket located on an opposite side of the divider wall from thelongitudinal channel, clamping the strength member of the fiber opticcable against axial pull relative to the cable mount, and guidingoptical fibers extending from a jacket of the fiber optic cable eitherupwardly or downwardly through at least one notch defined between cablemanagement structures in the form of spools or through the longitudinalchannel all the way from the rear end to the front end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an optical fiberdistribution element in accordance of aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the element of FIG. 1 showing the traypulled forward from the chassis;

FIG. 4 shows one of the tray frame members pivoted upwardly from thetray;

FIG. 5 shows a second frame member pivoted upwardly relative to thetray;

FIG. 6 shows a portion of a cable management area of the element of FIG.1;

FIG. 7 shows a similar view to FIG. 6, with one of the frame memberspivoted upwardly;

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of an element with differentcable management at the entry points;

FIG. 9 shows three of the elements of FIG. 8 mounted in a blockformation, with cable radius limiters at the entry point mounted in analternative position;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the block of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a view of the block of FIG. 9, with the tray of the middleelement pulled forward for access to the fiber terminations;

FIG. 12 shows an enlarged portion of an entry point for one of theelements with a cable radius limiter in a first position;

FIG. 13 shows a similar view as in FIG. 12, with the cable radiuslimiter positioned in an alternate position;

FIG. 14 shows an exploded view of a cable mount;

FIG. 15 shows an element with a cable mount on one side, and a cableradius limiter on an opposite side;

FIG. 16 shows an alternative cable mount;

FIGS. 17-29 show various views of the elements shown in FIGS. 1-16including additional details and cable routings shown for illustrationpurposes;

FIG. 30 shows an alternative embodiment of a block of two alternativeelements;

FIG. 31 shows a tray pulled forward from the chassis of one of theelements of the block of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 shows the tray extended forward as in the view of FIG. 31, withone of the frame members pivoted upwardly;

FIG. 33 is a view similar to the view of FIG. 32, with a second framemember pivoted upwardly;

FIG. 34 shows a block including two elements;

FIG. 35 shows an exploded view of the two elements of the block of FIG.34;

FIG. 36 shows a single element;

FIG. 37 shows an exploded view of the element of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 shows the element of FIG. 37, without the top cover;

FIG. 39 is a top view of the element of FIG. 38;

FIG. 40 is an alternative view of the element of FIG. 38, showingalternative devices at the cable entry points;

FIG. 41 is a top view of the element of FIG. 40;

FIG. 42 shows an alternative embodiment of an element in a top view withan alternative synchronized movement feature;

FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the element of FIG. 42;

FIGS. 44 and 45 show movement of the various components of thesynchronized movement feature of FIGS. 42 and 43;

FIGS. 46 and 47 show an element with an alternative radius limiter atthe cable entry and exit locations;

FIG. 48 shows a right side perspective view of the cable mount of FIGS.30-33 and 38-39 in isolation;

FIG. 49 shows the cable mount of FIG. 48 with a radius limiter includingfriction members mounted thereon, the radius limiter also visible inFIGS. 30-33 and 38-39;

FIG. 50 shows a left side perspective view of the cable mount of FIG.49;

FIG. 51 shows the cable mount of FIGS. 48-50 in an explodedconfiguration;

FIG. 52 shows a pair of the cable mounts of FIGS. 48-51 attached to asingle optical fiber distribution element having features similar to theelements shown in FIGS. 30-47;

FIG. 53 shows a block formed from four of the elements of FIG. 52 in astacked arrangement, each of the elements including a pair of the cablemounts of FIGS. 48-51;

FIG. 54 illustrates a front, left, top perspective view of analternative optical fiber distribution element including a cable mountwith pivoting cable guide portions having features that are examplesinventive aspects in accordance with the disclosure;

FIG. 55 is a top view illustrating a close-up of the pivoting cableguide portions of the cable mount of the element of FIG. 54;

FIG. 56 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of a cablemount that is configured for fixing cables to telecommunicationsequipment such as the optical fiber distribution elements of FIGS. 30-41or FIGS. 54-55, the cable mount shown with a portion of a jacket of acable;

FIG. 57 illustrates the cable mount of FIG. 56 in a fully assembledconfiguration;

FIG. 58 is a top view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 59 is a bottom view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 60 is a right side view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 61 is a left side view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 62 is a front view of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 63 is a top view of the base portion of the cable mount of FIG. 57;

FIG. 64 is a front view of the base portion of FIG. 63; and

FIG. 65 is a left side view of the base portion of FIG. 63.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-16, various embodiments of an optical fiberdistribution element 10, or element 10, are shown. The elements 10 canbe individually mounted as desired to telecommunications equipmentincluding racks, frames, or cabinets. The elements 10 can be mounted ingroups or blocks 12 which forms a stacked arrangement. In oneembodiment, a vertical stack of elements 10 populates an optical fiberdistribution rack.

Each element 10 holds fiber terminations, or other fiber componentsincluding fiber splitters and/or fiber splices. In the case of fiberterminations, incoming cables are connected to outgoing cables throughconnectorized cable ends which are connected by adapters, as will bedescribed below.

Each element includes a chassis 20 and a movable tray 24. Tray 24 ismovable with a slide mechanism 30 including one or more gears 32 and aset of two toothed racks or linear members 34.

Slide mechanism 30 provides for synchronized movement for managing thecables extending to and from tray 24. Entry points 36 on either side ofchassis 20 allow for fixation of the input and output cables associatedwith each element 10. The radius limiters 38 associated with each slidemechanism 30 move in synchronized movement relative to chassis 20 andtray 24 to maintain fiber slack, without causing fibers to be bent,pinched, or pulled.

Each tray 24 includes mounting structure 50 defining one or more offiber terminations, fiber splitters, fiber splices, or other fibercomponents. As shown, mounting structure 50 holds adapters 52 whichallow for interconnection of two connectorized ends of cables. Each tray24 includes one or more frame members 56. In the example shown, twoframe members 56 are provided. As illustrated, each frame member 56 isT-shaped. Also, each tray 24 includes two frame members 56 which arehingedly mounted at hinges 58. A top frame member 62 is positioned abovea bottom frame member 64. The mounting structure 50 associated with eachframe member 62, 64 includes one or more integrally formed adapterblocks 70. Adapter blocks 70 include a plurality of adapter ports forinterconnecting to fiber optic connectors. A pathway 76 defines agenerally S-shape from radius limiters 38 to adapter blocks 70. Asshown, pathway 76 includes an upper level 78 and a lower level 80 in theinterior. A portion 84 of pathway 76 is positioned adjacent to hinges 58to avoid potentially damaging cable pull during pivoting movement offrame members 56. Flanges 86 and radius limiters 90 help maintain cablesin pathways 76.

Tray 24 includes openings 96 to allow for technician access to the cableterminations at adapter blocks 70. In addition, the T-shapes of framemembers 56 further facilitate technician access to the connectors.

Cables extending to and from element 10 can be affixed with a cablemount 100 as desired. Additional protection of the fiber breakouts canbe handled with cable wraps 102. Radius limiters 106 can be additionallyused to support and protect the cables.

Referring now to FIGS. 17-29, various examples of cable routings areillustrated for element 10.

If desired, more than one feeder cable can supply cabling to more thanone element 10.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-41, various additional embodiments of elements210 are shown. Element 210 includes a chassis 220 in a movable tray 224mounted with a slide mechanism 230 which promotes synchronized movementof radius limiters 238. Each tray 224 includes two hingedly mountedframe members 256. Each frame member 256 has a middle portion 260separated by openings 262 from side portions 264. Middle portion 260 canhold fiber terminations. Side portions 264 include radius limiters 270.Cover 266 goes over tray 224. Latches 268 latch tray 224 to cover 266 inthe closed position.

A pathway 276 extends from either side from tray 224 to supply cables toeach of trays 224. An upper level 278 and a lower level 280 supply therespective frame members 256 with cabling. A general S-shaped pathway276 is defined wherein the pathway 276 passes close to hinges 258.

A dovetail 288 is used to hold cable mounts 286 and radius limiters 284.

An opening 290 in tray 224 allows for connector access by thetechnician. Similarly, openings 262 on each frame member 256 allow fortechnician access to the individual connectors.

To form a block 292 of plural elements 210, bars 294 and fasteners 296are used. Bars 294 give a small spacing between each element 210.

Referring now to FIGS. 42-45, an alternative slide mechanism 330 isshown in alternative element 310. Slide mechanism 330 allows formovement of the trays and related radius limiters and synchronizedmovement similar to slide mechanism 30, 230. Alternative slide mechanism330 includes two wheels 332 and two wires 334, 336. The wheels 332 arelocated on second part 342. The wires are looped in opposite directionsand are connected to the first part 340 and the third part 344.

Referring now to FIGS. 46 and 47, an alternative radius limiter 420 isshown on alternative element 410. Radius limiter 420 includes frictionmembers 430 which limit the amount of sliding movement of cables passingthrough radius limiter 420, to assist with cable management. Frictionmembers 430 include flexible fingers which press lightly on the cablesin radius limiter 420 to reduce or eliminate sliding movement of thecables in the radius limiter 420.

Referring now to FIGS. 48-51, one of the cable mounts 286 that is shownas being mounted to the elements 210 in FIGS. 30-33 and 38-39 is shownin isolation. It should be noted that although the cable mount 286 hasbeen shown as part of the optical fiber distribution element 210 ofFIGS. 30-41, the optical fiber distribution element 210 is simply oneexample of a telecommunications system, fixture, or closure to which thecable mount 286 may be used with. The cable mount 286 includes featureshaving inventive aspects in isolation and can be used on other types ofoptical fiber distribution elements. For example, FIG. 52 shows a pairof the cable mounts 286 attached to an optical fiber distributionelement 510 that is different than elements 210 and 410 of FIGS. 30-47but having features that are similar to those of elements 210 and 410.FIG. 53 shows a block 512 formed from four of the elements 510 of FIG.52 in a stacked arrangement, each of the elements 510 including a pairof the cable mounts 286.

Referring now back to FIGS. 48-51, the cable mount 286 is configured forsecuring an incoming cable such as a distribution or feeder cable 514 toa side of an element such as element 510. Each cable mount 286 defines afront end 516 and a rear end 518. The cable mount 286 is configured toreceive the incoming cable 514 through the rear end 518 for securing thecable 514. As will be discussed in further detail, the cable mount 286defines a jacket channel 520 for housing the jacket 522 of the incomingcable 514, a strength member pocket 524 for receiving a strength member526 of the incoming cable 514, and a fiber channel 528 for receiving theindividual fiber-carrying loose tubes 530 protruding from an end of thejacket 522 of the cable 514. The jacket channel 520 and the fiberchannel 528 are defined by upper and lower transverse walls 531 and adivider wall 535 of the cable mount 286. The strength member pocket 524is defined on an opposite side of the divider wall 535. The strengthmember clamp 536 is inserted into the strength member pocket 524 throughan opening 537 located in the divider wall 535.

According to the depicted embodiment, the cable mount 286 is configuredto be mounted in a sliding fashion to the dovetail structures 288 of theelements such as elements 210, 410, and 510. As shown in FIGS. 50 and51, each cable mount 286 defines dovetail shaped interlock features 532that mate with the dovetail structures 288 of the elements. The cablemounts 286 are mounted to the dovetails 288 by sliding the cable mounts286 rearwardly over the dovetails 288. The front end 516 of each cablemount 286 defines a positive stop 534 that abuts a front end of thedovetail 288 for limiting axial pull on the cable 514 once a strengthmember 526 of the cable 514 has been clamped using the cable mount 286.It should be noted that a dovetail sliding interlock is one example of astructure that may be used to mount the cable mount 286 to an elementsuch as elements 210, 410, and 510 and that other types of interlocks(that limit axial pull on a secured cable) may be used.

As noted above, the cable mount 286 is configured for securing orclamping the strength member 526 of an incoming cable 514 to limit axialpull on the cable 514 to preserve the optical fibers. A strength memberclamp 536 of the cable mount 286 is defined by a base 538 and a fixationplate 540 that is clamped thereto via clamp fasteners 542. The base 538may also be referred to as a first clamp member and the fixation plate540 may be referred to as a second clamp member of the strength memberclamp 536.

Once the strength member 526 of an incoming cable 514 is inserted intothe strength member pocket 524 through the opening 537, the strengthmember 526 may be clamped between the first and second clamp members538, 540. The strength member pocket 524 and the strength member clamp536 of the cable mount are defined by an inset portion 533 of the cablemount 286 such that the clamp 536 does not interfere with the slidablemounting of the cable mount 286 via the dovetail interlock features 532.

The cable mount 286 is designed such that the individual tubes 530carrying the optical fibers are isolated from the strength member 526 ofthe cable 514. The fiber carrying tubes 530 are lead through the fiberchannel 528 which is located on an opposite side of the divider wall 535from the strength member pocket 524.

Still referring to FIGS. 48-51, each cable mount 286 also definesfeatures for guiding the fiber tubes 530 that protrude from the incomingcable jacket 522. Each cable mount 286 includes upper and lower frontfiber guides 544 and upper and lower rear cable guides 546. The cableguides 544, 546 are defined by notches 548 in the transverse walls 531that allow the fiber carrying tubes 530 to frictionally fit therein andextend to different locations around the distribution block 512.

Referring now to FIG. 52, a pair of the cable mounts 286 are shownattached in a stacked arrangement to a single optical fiber distributionelement 510. The fiber guides 544, 546 of the cable mount 286 aredesigned such that the upper guides of a cable mount 286 and the lowerguides of an adjacent cable mount 286 align to form pathways for routingfiber carrying tubes 530 around the elements. FIG. 52 illustrates anexample tube routing configuration using the fiber guides 544, 546 ofthe cable mounts 286. The notches 548 defined by the fiber guides 544,546 allow the fiber carrying tubes 530 to extend from the fiber channel528 of a given cable mount 286 to the fiber channel 528 of an adjacentupper or lower cable mount 286. The fiber channels 528 of the cablemounts 286 in combination with the notches 548 defined by the fiberguides 544, 546 allow the fiber carrying tubes 530 to extend straightupwardly, straight downwardly, diagonally upwardly, diagonallydownwardly, or straight through after entering the fiber channels 528.FIG. 53 illustrates an example tube routing for four of the elements 510of FIG. 52 stacked in a block formation, each element 510 including apair of the cable mounts 286. FIG. 53 illustrates the various pathwaysthe tubes 530 can take after exiting the cable jacket 522 using thecable mounts 286.

As shown in FIG. 49, each cable mount 286 may also include a radiuslimiter mount 550 adjacent the front end 516 for mounting a radiuslimiter 552. The radius limiter 552 may be similar to radius limiter 420shown in FIGS. 46 and 47 and may include friction members 554 whichlimit the amount of sliding movement of tubes 530 passing through radiuslimiter 552, to assist with cable management. Friction members 554 mayinclude flexible fingers which press lightly on the tubes 530 in theradius limiter 552 to reduce or eliminate sliding movement of the tubes530 in the radius limiter 552. The radius limiter 552 shown in FIG. 49can also be seen in FIGS. 30-33 and 38-39 of the disclosure.

Referring now to FIGS. 54-55, an alternative embodiment of an opticalfiber distribution element 610 is shown. The element 610 is shown from afront, left, top perspective view in FIG. 54. The left side of theelement 610 is shown to include a cable mount 686 having features thatare similar to those of the cable mount 286 illustrated in FIGS. 30-33,38, 39, and 48-51. A cable mount such as cable mount 686, as discussedpreviously, is configured for securing an incoming cable such as adistribution of feeder cable to a side of the element 610. Even thoughthe right side of the element 610 is shown in FIG. 54 with a differenttype of a cable guide 684 that is configured to lead cables to the tray624, a structure similar to the cable mount 686 could also be used onthe right side of the element 610.

The cable mount 686 defines a jacket channel 622 for housing the jacketof an incoming cable, a strength member pocket for receiving a strengthmember of the incoming cable, and a fiber channel 628 for receivingindividual fiber-carrying loose tubes protruding from an end of a jacketof the cable. The jacket channel 622 is defined by upper and lowertransverse walls 611, 613. The fiber channel 628 includes a pair ofcable management structures 631 therein for guiding cables to differentdesired directions as the cables lead toward the entry point of the tray624 of the element 610.

The strength member pocket is defined on an opposite side of a dividerwall 635. The strength member is inserted into the strength memberpocket through an opening 637 located in the divider wall 635 and is,thus, isolated from the fiber carrying tubes. The cable mount 686 isdesigned such that the individual tubes carrying the optical fibers areisolated from the strength member of a cable. The fiber carrying tubesare lead through the fiber channel 628 which is located on an oppositeside of the divider wall 635 from the strength member pocket.

After being routed around the cable management structures 631, thecables enter and may be secured to an upper cable guide 683 and a lowercable guide 685. As shown, either or both of the cables guides 683, 685are pivotally mounted to the chassis 620. The cable guides 683, 685 maybe pivotable toward and away from the chassis 620 along a plane that isgenerally parallel to a plane defined by the sliding direction of thetray 624. The pivotability of the cable guides 683, 685 allows routingof the cables to outer and inner troughs 627, 629 of a radius limiterstructure 638 that is mounted to the slide mechanism of the element 610.The cables may be secured to the guides 683, 685 by a variety of methodssuch as with cable ties, snap-fit elements, etc. Thus, when the cablesare routed to the outer and inner troughs 627, 629 of the radius limiter638, the guides 683, 685 may pivot with the movement of the cablessecured thereto.

In the depicted example, the lower cable guide 685 has been shown aspivoted out to guide cables to the outer trough 627 of the radiuslimiter 638. The upper cable guide 683 is configured to lead cablestoward the inner trough 629 of the radius limiter 638. The pivotabilityof the guides 683, 685 allows separation of the cables as they lead intothe desired troughs of the radius limiter 638.

The radius limiter 638 includes a divider wall 625 extending fromadjacent an outer end 623 to adjacent an inner end 621. According to oneembodiment, the divider 625 does not extend all the way to the inner andouter ends 621, 623 of the U-shaped radius limiter 638. The divider wall625 of the radius limiter 638 forms the two separate troughs 627, 629.The two troughs 627, 629 isolate and separate the cables (e.g., comingin and going out) of the element 610 into two distinct paths. Accordingto one example cable routing configuration, the two troughs 627, 629 mayguide the cables to the upper and lower levels 678, 680 defined towardthe rear of the tray 624 while maintaining the S-shaped pathway 676created within the element 610. The pivotable cable guides 683, 685allow proper separation and routing of the cables when used with aradius limiter such as the limiter 638. Further details of a radiuslimiter such as the radius limiter 638 of the present application arediscussed in U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/892,558concurrently filed herewith, which application is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

Referring now to FIGS. 56-65, another embodiment of a cable mount 786having features that are similar to those of the cable mount 286illustrated in FIGS. 30-33, 38, 39, and 48-51 and the cable mount 686illustrated in FIGS. 54-55 is shown. As specified with respect to theother embodiments of the cable mounts previously, even though the cablemount 786 is shown and described herein as being part of or being usablewith an optical fiber distribution element such as element 210 of FIGS.30-41 or element 610 of FIGS. 54-55, the optical fiber distributionelements 210 and 610 are simply two examples of telecommunicationssystems, fixtures, or closures which the cable mount 786 may be usedwith. The cable mount 786 includes features having inventive aspects inisolation and can be used on other types of optical fiber distributionelements.

Still referring to FIGS. 56-65, similar to cable mounts 286 and 686, thecable mount 786 is configured for securing an incoming cable such as adistribution or feeder cable 514 to a side of an element such as anelement 510 or 610.

The cable mount 786 is defined by a base portion 701 and a fiber routingportion 703 that is configured to be mounted to the base portion 701with a snap-fit interlock. The base portion 701 of the cable mount 786is shown in isolation in FIGS. 63-65.

As shown in FIGS. 56-65, the fiber routing portion 703 defines flexiblecantilever fingers 705 with ramped tabs 707 that are configured to bereceived within slots 709 on the base portion 701. When the fiberrouting portion 703 is snap-fit with respect to the base portion 701,the two portions 701, 703 cooperatively form the cable mount 786.

Similar to the cable mounts 286 and 686 described above, the cable mount786 includes features for securing or clamping the strength member 526of an incoming cable 514 to limit axial pull on the cable 514 topreserve the optical fibers. A strength member clamp 736 of the cablemount 786 is defined by the interaction of a portion (i.e., a clampingsurface 738) of the base portion 701 and a fixation plate 740 that isconfigured to be clamped against the base portion 701 via a fastener742. The strength member clamp 736 will be described in further detailbelow. The portion of the base 701 that forms the clamping surface 738for clamping the strength member may also be referred to as a firstclamp member and the fixation plate 740 may also be referred to as asecond clamp member of the strength member clamp 736.

Still referring to FIGS. 56-65, the cable mount 786, once assembled,defines a front end 716 and a rear end 718. The cable mount 786 isconfigured to receive an incoming cable through the rear end 718.Similar to cable mounts 286 and 686, the base portion 701 of the cablemount 786 defines a jacket channel 720 for housing the jacket of theincoming cable. A strength member pocket 724 is defined by the baseportion for receiving a strength member 526 of the incoming cable 514.The fiber routing portion 703 of the cable mount 786 includes featuresfor guiding individual fiber-carrying loose tubes 530 to differentdesired directions as the fibers extend toward the front end 716 of thecable mount 786.

The jacket channel 720 is defined by upper and lower transverse walls731, 733. A divider wall 735 of the cable mount 286 separates the jacketchannel 720 from the strength member pocket 724. The strength memberpocket 724 is defined on an opposite side of the divider wall 735 fromthe jacket channel 720. The divider wall 735 defines an opening 737through which the jacket channel 720 communicates with the strengthmember pocket 724. When a cable is received from the rear end 718 of thecable mount 786, the strength member 526 of the cable protruding fromthe jacket 799 of the cable is inserted into the strength member pocket724 through the opening 737 before being clamped using the strengthmember clamp 736.

According to the depicted embodiment, the base portion 701 of the cablemount 786 is configured to be mounted to equipment such as elements 510or 610 with a snap-fit interlock. As shown, the base portion defines acantilever arm 711 with a ramped tab 713 adjacent the front end 716 ofthe cable mount 786 for interlocking with a notch that may be providedon a piece of telecommunications equipment. The base portion 701 of thecable mount 786 also defines catches 715 having dovetail profiles alongthe base portion 701 that are configured to slidably mate withintermating structures provided on the telecommunications equipment. Inthis manner, the cable mount 786 may be slidably attached to a piece oftelecommunications equipment before being locked into a notch defined bythe equipment with the cantilever arm 711. Similar dovetail intermatingstructures are shown, for example, in FIGS. 48-53 with respect to cablemount 286 and element 510. However, it should be noted that in thepresent embodiment of the cable mount 786, the catches 715 having thedovetail profiles are provided on the cable mount 786 rather than on thetelecommunications equipment. And, accordingly, the structures thatintermate with the dovetail catches 715 may be provided on thetelecommunications equipment instead.

It should be noted that a snap-fit interlock utilizing dovetail profilesand a flexible cantilever lock is only one example of an attachmentmechanism that may be used to mount the cable mount 786 to an elementsuch as elements 210, 410, 510, and 610 and that other types ofattachment mechanisms or methods (that limit axial pull on a securedcable) may be used.

As noted above, the cable mount 786 is configured for securing orclamping the strength member 526 of an incoming cable 514 to limit axialpull on the cable 514 to preserve the optical fibers. Once the strengthmember 526 of an incoming cable 514 is inserted into the strength memberpocket 724 through the opening 737, the strength member 526 may beclamped between the clamping surface 738 defined by the base portion 701and the fixation plate 740. A portion of the clamping surface 738 maydefine a groove 739 along the bottom side of the base portion 701 forproper positioning or alignment of the strength member 526.

The fixation plate 740 defines a fastener mount 741 that has a threadedopening 743 for receiving the fastener 742 when clamping the fixationplate 740 with respect to the base portion 701. The fastener mount 741defines a throughhole 763 that extends along a longitudinal axis of thefixation plate (generally perpendicular to the threaded opening 743)that is for receiving the strength member 526 of the cable. When thefastener 742 is used to clamp the fixation plate 740 with respect to thebase portion 701, at least a portion of the fastener may extend throughthe threaded opening 743 and into the throughhole. The throughhole 763is preferably sized such that a strength member 526 can extendtherethrough without interference from the fastener 742 that extends atleast partially into the throughhole 763.

The fastener mount 741 of the fixation plate 740 extends from a top ofthe fixation plate 740 to a portion of the fixation plate 740 thatdefines a clamping surface 745. The clamping surface 745 of the fixationplate 740 is configured to abut against the clamping surface 738 definedby the base portion 701 in clamping the strength member 526 of thecable. As noted above, clamping the fixation plate 740 against the baseportion 701 is accomplished by using the fastener 742, which isthreadedly engaged with the fastener mount 741 and which draws thefixation plate 740 towards the base portion 701. The base portion 701defines an opening 717 that is configured to accommodate and receive thefastener mount 741 as the fixation plate 740 is pulled up with respectto the base portion 701.

The fiber routing portion 703 of the cable mount 786 is configured toreceive and guide the fiber carrying tubes 530 of a cable being mountedusing the cable mount 786. Fiber carrying tubes 530 are lead up a ramp787 defined by the fiber routing portion 703 after the strength member536 of the cable has been separated therefrom and has been inserted intothe strength member pocket 724. The divider wall 735 keeps the fibercarrying tubes 530 and the cable jacket separate from the strengthmember pocket 724 similar to the embodiments of the cable mountdiscussed previously. In this manner, when the cables are subjected topulling forces, the fiber carrying components are isolated from the partof the cable mount that clamps the strength member.

Still referring to FIGS. 56-65, the fiber routing portion 703 of thecable mount 786 defines a fastener mount 719. The fastener mount 719defines a pocket 721 for accommodating the head 723 of the fastener. Thefastener mount 719 allows the fastener 742 to pass from the fiberrouting portion 703 through the opening 717 of the base portion 701 intothe fastener mount 741 of the fixation plate 740. As the fastener 742 isthreadably turned with respect to the fiber routing portion 703, thefixation plate 740 is pulled toward the base portion 701 to clamp thestrength member 526 between the clamping surfaces 738 and 745.

Still referring to FIGS. 56-65, as noted previously, the fiber routingportion 703 of the cable mount 786 includes features for guidingindividual fiber-carrying loose tubes 530 to different desireddirections as the fibers extend toward the front end 716 of the cablemount 786. The fiber routing portion 703 defines cable managementstructures in the form of spools 727 that are configured to guide thefiber carrying tubes 530 to different desired directions withoutviolating minimum bend requirements.

As shown, the spools 727 may include flanges 729 for retaining thefibers within the fiber routing portion 703. The fiber routing portion703 also defines bulkheads 751 adjacent the front end 716 of the cablemount 786. The bulkheads 751 cooperate with the spools 727 in leadingthe fibers directly forwardly as the fibers approach the front end 716of the cable mount. The bulkheads 751 also define flanges 729 forretaining the fibers between the bulkheads 751. The bulkheads 751 andthe spools 727 may also be cooperatively referred to as cable guides.

A plurality of fiber channels 759 are formed between the spools 727 andthe bulkheads 751. The flanges 729 of the spools and the bulkheads 751facilitate in keeping the fibers within desired fiber channels 759.

As shown, the fiber routing portion 703 may define a notch or an opening797 between the spools 727 that allows the fiber carrying tubes 530 tofit therethrough and extend to different locations around a distributionelement.

Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 52 and 54, the cable mounts786 may be used in a stacked arrangement where two or more cable mounts786 may be stacked along a top to bottom direction.

The fiber routing portion 703, specifically, the spools 727, the notch797 defined between the spools 727, and the bulkheads 751, are designedto allow the fibers to be routed to different locations around anelement or to different elements. The fiber routing portion 703 isconfigured to allow the fiber carrying tubes 530 to extend straightupwardly, straight downwardly, diagonally upwardly, diagonallydownwardly, or straight through after passing through the bulkheads 751.

In the embodiment of the cable mount 786 illustrated in FIGS. 56-65, thefiber routing portion 703 is provided as a separate structure than thebase portion 701 of the cable mount 786 and is mounted to the baseportion 701 with a snap-fit interlock. The two portions are provided asseparate structures so that the base portion 701 can be used with fiberrouting portions that may have a different configuration than the fiberrouting portion 703 that is shown in FIGS. 56-65. The separability ofthe two portions 701 and 703 allows variability in the design of thefiber routing portion depending upon the type of cable used. Forexample, the number and the structure of the spools 727 and/or thebulkheads 751 can be varied depending upon the size and the number ofthe fibers of the clamped cable.

FIGS. 56-65 illustrate a portion of a cable jacket 799 that has beeninserted into the jacket channel 720 between the upper and lowertransverse walls 731, 733. As shown, adjacent the back of the cablemount 786, portions 795 of the walls 731, 733 define ramped tabs 793that are configured to receive the cable jacket 799 with a snap-fit.Adjacent either side of the wall portions 795, the base portion 701 ofthe cable mount 786 also includes cable tie-wrap pockets 777 forallowing the cable jacket 799 to be fixed with cable ties.

At the exterior of the wall portions 795, there are also defined notches791 for receiving cantilever fingers 789 of a cover structure 779.According to certain embodiments, for cables that may include softstrength members in the form of aramid fibers such as Kevlar, the softstrength members may be wrapped around the wall portions 795 and may becaptured thereagainst with the cover structure 779.

Although in the foregoing description, terms such as “top,” “bottom,”“front,” “back,” “right,” “left,” “upper,” and “lower” were used forease of description and illustration, no restriction is intended by suchuse of the terms. The telecommunications devices such as the cablemounts described herein can be used in any orientation, depending uponthe desired application.

Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of the presentdisclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts mayreadily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended thatsuch modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of theclaims which are appended hereto.

PARTS LIST

-   10 element-   12 block-   20 chassis-   24 tray-   30 slide mechanism-   32 gears-   34 rack-   36 entry points-   38 radius limiters-   50 mounting structure-   52 adapters-   56 T-shaped frame member-   58 hinge-   62 top frame member-   64 bottom frame member-   70 adapter blocks-   72 connectors-   74 cables-   76 pathway-   80 upper level-   86 lower level-   90 portion-   96 flanges-   90 radius limiters-   96 openings-   100 cable mount-   102 cable wrap-   106 radius limiters-   210 element-   220 chassis-   224 tray-   230 slide mechanism-   238 radius limiters-   256 frame members-   258 hinges-   260 middle portion-   262 openings-   264 side portions-   266 cover-   268 latches-   270 radius limiters-   276 pathway-   278 upper level-   280 lower level-   284 radius limiters-   286 cable mounts-   288 dovetail-   290 opening-   292 block-   294 bar-   296 fasteners-   310 element-   330 slide mechanism-   332 wheels-   334 wire-   336 wire-   340 first part-   342 second part-   344 third part-   410 element-   420 radius limiter-   430 friction members-   510 element-   512 block-   514 cable-   516 front end of cable mount-   518 rear end of cable mount-   520 jacket channel-   522 jacket-   524 strength member pocket-   526 strength member-   528 fiber channel-   530 tubes-   531 upper and lower transverse walls-   532 dovetail interlock feature-   533 inset portion-   534 positive stop-   535 divider wall-   536 strength member clamp-   537 opening in divider wall-   538 base/first clamp member-   540 fixation plate/second clamp member-   542 clamp fasteners-   544 upper and lower front fiber guides-   546 upper and lower rear fiber guides-   548 notches-   550 radius limiter mount-   552 radius limiter-   554 friction members-   610 element-   611 upper transverse wall-   613 lower transverse wall-   620 chassis-   621 inner end of radius limiter-   622 jacket channel-   623 outer end of radius limiter-   624 tray-   625 divider wall of radius limiter-   627 outer trough-   628 fiber channel-   629 inner trough-   631 cable management structure-   635 divider wall of cable mount-   637 opening-   638 radius limiter-   676 pathway-   678 upper level-   680 lower level-   683 upper cable guide-   684 cable guide-   685 lower cable guide-   686 cable mount-   701 base portion of cable mount-   703 fiber routing portion of cable mount-   705 cantilever finger-   707 ramped tab-   711 cantilever arm-   713 ramped tab-   715 catches-   716 front end-   717 opening-   718 rear end-   719 fastener mount of fiber routing portion-   720 jacket channel-   724 strength member pocket-   727 spool-   729 flange-   731 upper transverse wall-   733 lower transverse wall-   735 divider wall-   736 strength member clamp-   737 opening-   738 clamping surface-   739 groove-   740 fixation plate-   741 fastener mount-   742 fastener-   743 threaded opening-   745 clamping surface of fixation plate-   751 bulkhead-   759 fiber channel-   763 throughhole-   777 cable tie-wrap pocket-   779 cover structure-   786 cable mount-   787 ramp-   789 cantilever finger-   791 notch-   793 ramped tab-   795 portions of upper and lower transverse walls-   797 notch/opening-   799 cable jacket

What is claimed is:
 1. A cable mount configured for fixing a strengthmember of a fiber optic cable to a fixture, the cable mount comprising:a front end, a rear end, and a longitudinal channel extending betweenthe front end and the rear end, the longitudinal channel defined byupper and lower transverse walls and a vertical divider wall, thelongitudinal channel for receiving a portion of the fiber optic cable; astrength member pocket for receiving the strength member of the fiberoptic cable, the strength member pocket located on an opposite side ofthe divider wall from the longitudinal channel, the strength memberpocket communicating with the longitudinal channel through an openingprovided on the divider wall; a strength member clamp configured to fixthe strength member of the fiber optic cable against axial pull relativeto the cable mount; and cable management structures in the form ofspools defining at least one notch therebetween that communicates withthe longitudinal channel for managing and guiding optical fibersextending from a jacket of the fiber optic cable either upwardly ordownwardly therethrough, wherein the cable mount is configured to alsoallow routing of the optical fibers through the longitudinal channel allthe way from the rear end to the front end.
 2. A cable mount accordingto claim 1, further comprising a mounting structure for mounting thecable mount to the fixture.
 3. A cable mount according to claim 2,wherein the mounting structure is configured to define a slidableinterlock with the fixture.
 4. A cable mount according to claim 3,wherein the slidable interlock is defined by dovetail structures.
 5. Acable mount according to claim 3, wherein the strength member clamp isdefined in an inset portion of the cable mount so as to not interferewith the slidable mounting of the cable mount to the fixture.
 6. A cablemount according to claim 1, wherein the strength member clamp is definedby a base of the cable mount and a fixation plate that is clamped to thebase with at least one clamp fastener.
 7. A cable mount according toclaim 1, wherein the cable management structures in the form of spoolsdefining the at least one notch therebetween are removably mounted to abase portion of the cable mount.
 8. A cable mount according to claim 7,wherein the spools are removably mounted to the base portion via asnap-fit interlock.
 9. A cable mount according to claim 1, wherein thelongitudinal channel defines a jacket channel adjacent the rear end ofthe cable mount and a fiber channel adjacent the front end of the cablemount, the jacket channel configured to receive the jacket of the fiberoptic cable and the fiber channel configured to receive the opticalfibers extending from the jacket of the fiber optic cable.
 10. A cablemount according to claim 1, further comprising a pivotable cable guideportion at the front end of the longitudinal channel, the pivotablecable guide portion configured to pivot away from and toward the fixturefor selectively moving a portion of the fiber optic cable toward or awayfrom the fixture.
 11. A method of fixing a strength member of a fiberoptic cable to a fixture, the method comprising: inserting a front endof the fiber optic cable through a longitudinal channel of a cable mountthat is on the fixture, wherein longitudinal channel is defined by upperand lower transverse walls and a vertical divider wall; inserting thestrength member of the fiber optic cable through an opening on thevertical divider wall into a pocket located on an opposite side of thedivider wall from the longitudinal channel; clamping the strength memberof the fiber optic cable against axial pull relative to the cable mount;and guiding optical fibers extending from a jacket of the fiber opticcable either upwardly or downwardly through at least one notch definedbetween cable management structures in the form of spools or through thelongitudinal channel all the way from the rear end to the front end. 12.The method of claim 11, wherein the fixture is a fiber opticdistribution element defined by a chassis and a tray slidable withrespect to the chassis.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the cablemount is removably mounted to the fixture.
 14. The method of claim 13,wherein the cable mount is slidably mounted to the fixture.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the cable mount is slidably mounted to thefixture via dovetail shaped interlock features.
 16. The method of claim11, wherein the strength member is clamped between a base defined by thecable mount and a fixation plate that is fastened to the base with atleast one clamp fastener.